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Fall is in full swing here in the Lake of the Ozarks , which means colder temperatures, wind, and rain. Although it's getting colder, the bass fishing is just getting warmed up! To the average American, Fall doesn't seem like the ideal time to head out on the water and try to catch fish! Fall is the time for watching football, or setting up in a hunting blind waiting for the perfect deer to score. However, the anglers know that this is the time of year that the bass will be feeding up as water temperatures continue to drop, making it the perfect time to cast a line and reel in those fish. Catching the perfect big bass is quite tough at times, but knowing where to look and what lures to use can help you with the quality and quantity of the bass you can reel in this Fall The cooler water temperatures of the lake in the Fall trigger a feeding frenzy for bass. After lazing in the deep-water spots of the lake during the hot months of summer, the bass are known to follow baitfish to ...

It's hard to believe that summer is almost over! With Labor Day typically being the signal that the summer season is ending, we are just two weeks away from the unofficial start to fall. And you know what that means... Fishing season! Firstmate Controls loves the fall fishing season. Not only is it a great way to keep having fun on the water and in the great outdoors, but it is also a wonderful family activity to enjoy together. Today we are talking about Bass and Crappie fishing with a few tips and recommendations from our team at Firstmate Controls . Keep reading to learn more! Crappie Fishing Once fall arrives, fishing for crappie can get tricky. Crappie live in almost any depths of water once fall hits, rather than staying in one particular area. Crappies' choice of living space is influenced by the oxygen content, light, and availability of food. The water starts clearing up once summer boat traffic dies down. Here are a few helpful tips to find and catch som...

Most fall activities include football, hunting, and indoor activities while fishing falls to the wayside.  Fall fishing could be the most cherished fishing season if anglers would give it a chance.   With the cooler temps, less boat traffic, and the beauty of the fall foliage fall can be the most enjoyable season to be on the water fishing.  Speaking of fall foliage, Lake of the Ozarks was named the 2nd best place in the United States to view the fall colors.    Bass Fishing Getting the big bite can be tough at times but knowing what you are doing can bring in a large quantity and quality of bass.  Bass are known for feeding on shad in the fall to prepare for the winter.   Fishing with lipless crankbaits with a tight wobble is great when bass are feeding. Wait for the bass to strike on shad in shallow grass, pull your lipless through the grass and hook your bass. Get ready to work your cadence with a soft plastic jerk bait ...

The leaves are beginning to change colors, the temperatures are dropping, and the rivers and lakes are becoming less congested as boaters wind down for the year. While you may be getting ready to stash away your summer flip flops, there’s no reason your enjoyment on the water has to end! With the feeling of fall in the air, we thought we’d delve into what we love about the fall season. Perhaps it'll entice YOU to get back out on the water and enjoy a little fall boating yourself! Picturesque Landscapes We all love being on the water in the hot summer heat and sunshine… but there’s something really special about cruising amongst the rich orange, red and yellow trees fall is known for, too! In most places, there will be a noticeable difference in the look of your surroundings in the coming months, so that’s something to look out for. Some boaters will even take their fall excursions a step further and plan a destination trip specifically to see these beautiful autumnal changes! ...

It's about that time of year again! September 15th marks the beginning of Gigging season in Missouri! When the weather gets too cold to enjoy splashing around in the rivers or lakes, but we're just not ready to give up on boating, it's time to break out the old jon boat and hit up the shallows for some REAL sport fishing! If you're interested in learning about fish gigging,  Firstmate Controls  has some great information to get you started! What is Fish Gigging? Gigging is a centuries old tradition that began as a necessity that consists of spearing fish rather than catching them with a hook and line.  As the culture and economy of the Ozarks changed, gigging began shifting toward sport. It became a social event and recreation for Ozark families. For local communities, it provided an opportunity to pause and spend quality time with family and friends. Opening night of gigging season was a major event. Families would show up at boat ramps throughout the Ozarks to gi...